So, you've heard all the Pilates craze but still haven't tried it? Don't know where to start? Learn the basics and then find a Pilates studio or pick up a video, and you'll be ready to strike a Seal pose in no time!

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a mind-body exercise that employs your core throughout almost all the movements while using breathing techniques to relax you. The great thing about Pilates is that there are so many modifications to all the exercises, anyone can do it. Breathing is a major component to Pilates - the way you breathe helps your body move gracefully through the exercises. Joseph Pilates created Pilates when he was a nurse during World War I. His patients would use straps and strings he fastened to their beds to stretch and regain strength. These stretches and movements became the basis of Pilates.

Why You Should Do Pilates

Pilates can tighten your abs, give you a stronger back, and create long, lean muscles. You'll become strong without bulking up. You'll also become more graceful and flexible. Many people use Pilates to alleviate back pain and to relax - it's a great way to de-stress after a long day at work. Another advantage: If you do it at home, it can be cheap and you'll likely see results in as little as 10 sessions.

Equipment You'll Need

When you're at the studio, all the equipment you need will be provided. At home, the only thing you really need is a mat (or a towel will do). Once you get the hang of it, you can add some resistance to help build muscles quicker by using some light hand weights (2-5 pounds), an elastic exercise band, and a stability ball or Pilates ring. (Some videos come with an exercise band or ring.)

Find a Pilates Studio Near You

The popularity of Pilates has exploded in the past decade, so it shouldn't be hard to find a Pilates studio near you. Of course, you can do Pilates at home with a video or another kind of training guide (like a magazine article), but you miss out on using the machines. You can still get a great workout at home without the machines though (see the next section for more info). If you can afford to go to a studio, you can learn Pilates from a certified Pilates instructor. You can get one-on-one sessions, which can cost between $50-$100 per session, depending on where you live. Another option is to take group classes, in which you do mat work and don't use the machines ($10-$30 per session). To look for a Pilates studio near you, visit www.gymticket.com/pilates/ and type in your city, or just Google "Pilates" and your city.

Find a Pilates Video

The best place to get a Pilates video is online at CollageVideo.com. Collage Video lets you return the video within 30 days, even if it's been opened. Many stores (like Target) won't let you return videos if they're opened, unless you're exchanging for the same title. What's the point in that if you don't like it? Collage does charge a bit more than local stores, but Collage offers a much bigger selection. Collage has 60-second video clips so you can preview the videos, and user reviews that seem to be pretty truthful (they aren't all positive). A leading Pilates celebrity instructor is Mari Winsor (you may have seen Daisy Fuentes touting her Windsor Pilates method in infomercials). Winsor is very good about explaining proper form and telling you why you're doing what you're doing in her videos. Most DVDs cost between $10-$20 at Collage Video and at your local store.

You may want to preview some of the videos on CollageVideo.com before deciding to pay for a Pilates class or a one-on-one session. You can also Google "Pilates pictures" and "Pilates equipment" to get a better idea of what you'll be doing. This extra info can help solidify your decision to try Pilates.

Now that you know the basics, you're ready to go!